CMS releases recommendations on adult elective surgeries, procedures

Editor's Note

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 18 released recommendations that all elective surgeries and nonessential medical, surgical, and dental procedures be delayed during the COVID-19 outbreak.

As more healthcare providers are asked to assist with the COVID-19 response, it is important that they consider whether surgeries and procedures can be delayed so they can preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), beds, and ventilators. This will also free up healthcare workers to care for patients who are most in need, CMS says.